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If you are a fan of Harry Potter, then you know about the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ravenclaw is known for its intelligence and creativity and it is home to some of the most talented students in the school.
But what do we really know about Ravenclaw? Well, as this is the ultimate guide to Ravenclaw house, this is the best place to find out! In this blog post, we will take a look at the history of Ravenclaw, as well as the traits that make it unique, and some famous members who have called it home over the years. I’ll also touch briefly on my thoughts on this house and how it compares to some of the other houses at Hogwarts.
What is Ravenclaw?
Ravenclaw is one of the four Houses that students are sorted into when they begin their education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The others are Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff.
Ravenclaw is known for its members’ intelligence, creativity, and wit, and Ravenclaws are often considered to be the most academically minded of all the students at Hogwarts.
I personally think that Ravenclaw isn’t a bad house, but it’s not one of my favorites because I think there are many more important things than cleverness. However, if you’re academically minded, this might be the perfect house for you.
How the Ravenclaw House was founded
When the four creators of Hogwarts School gathered to establish their magical education institution, they each represented different ideals that they wanted to instill in their pupils. It was said that the school was founded in the 10th century, and thus, the houses were created at about the same time.
Ravenclaw House was founded by Rowena Ravenclaw, one of the four original founders of Hogwarts. Ravenclaw believed that intelligence and wisdom were the most important qualities in a witch or wizard and she sought to create a House where those qualities would be valued above all else.
Who was Rowena Ravenclaw?
Rowen Ravenclaw was, naturally, the most gifted witch of her age. She was beautiful, brilliant, and had a sharp wit. She was also ambitious and determined to create a House that would be known for its intelligence and creativity. Ravenclaw’s parents were wealthy wizarding nobility, and she had everything she could ever want growing up. However, her story is actually quite tragic.
She was known for her sharp mind and passion for education, and she was adorned with a diadem that, legend has it, would grant wisdom to the wearer. However, Ravenclaw’s daughter, Helena, was jealous of her mother’s intelligence and stole the diadem in an attempt to become smarter than her. She then ran away from home, leaving Rowena heartbroken. Soon after this, Rowena fell ill.
Knowing she didn’t have long to live, Rowena sent a man to bring her daughter home so that she could see her one last time. Unfortunately, the man she sent was the Bloody Baron, who was completely in love with Helena and stabbed her in a fit of rage when she refused to return home. When Rowena found out, she was so distraught that, according to legend, she died of a broken heart.
This is a key example of why I’m not a huge fan of the Ravenclaw House. See, even from the very beginning, they are so focused on being the cleverest, that they would rather steal from family and run away than simply b compassionate and grateful for one another. Of course, I’m sad to hear what happened to Rowena, but if she was that intelligent, should she not have taught her daughter the values of family and that there are much more important things in life than simply how smart you seem?
The Different Qualities of a Ravenclaw
Ravenclaws are known for their intelligence, creativity, and wit. They are often considered to be the most academically minded of all the students at Hogwarts.
Of course, in my opinion, this is a bit of a stereotype, and Hermione proves perfectly that you don’t have to be a Ravenclaw to be clever.
Nonetheless, learning and knowledge are what this House values above all else.
Some of the traits of a Ravenclaw include:
Cleverness
Ravenclaws are very clever and are always quick to see the answer to a problem. They are also very good at understanding complex theories and concepts. This trait is perhaps their most defining characteristic.
Creativity
Ravenclaws are also very creative and often come up with original solutions to problems. They are always looking for new and innovative ways to do things and are not afraid to think outside the box.
Wisdom
Ravenclaws are also known for their wisdom. They often have a deep understanding of the world and are able to see things from different perspectives. This allows them to make very insightful decisions.
Wit
Ravenclaws are also very witty and have a sharp sense of humor. They are often able to come up with clever responses to things, and they enjoy making people laugh.
Intellectual Ability
Of course, Ravenclaws are also very intelligent. Ravenclaws are extremely intelligent and They have a great deal of knowledge and are often top of their class. They have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and love to learn new things.
Intuitive Nature
Ravenclaws are also known for their intuition. This goes hand in hand with their intelligence and they often have a gut feeling about things and are able to see the bigger picture. This allows them to make very wise decisions.
Quick Thinking
Ravenclaws are also very quick thinkers. They are able to think on their feet and come up with solutions to problems quickly. This is a very useful trait in many situations and is one of the things that Ravenclaws are known for.
Some of the Most Famous Ravenclaws Through the Ages
There have been many famous Ravenclaw witches and wizards over the years.
Some of the most notable include:
Rowena Ravenclaw
The famous founder of Ravenclaw house, Rowena Ravenclaw was known for her intelligence, wit, and wisdom. She was also the creator of the legendary diadem of Ravenclaw, which is said to grant wisdom to the wearer.
Luna Lovegood
Loved by many for her quirkiness and originality, Luna Lovegood was a Ravenclaw through and through. She was known for her eccentricities, but also for her deep understanding of the world.
She is also one of my personal favorite characters throughout the Harry Potter franchise and in my opinion, she is one of the best characters. I’ve actually named my dog after her!
Luna helped Harry Potter on many occasions, for example, she was the one who helped him to understand what a Thestral was, she came with him to search for the lost diadem of Ravenclaw, and also went to the Department of Mysteries with Harry to rescue Sirius. Luna showed her Ravenclaw traits frequently by being quick-thinking, knowledgable, and resourceful. She’s also the kind of person that you wouldn’t expect to be intelligent because she’s so ditsy and her beliefs are a bit out there.
Quirinus Quirrell
The Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who was possessed by Lord Voldemort in Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, Quirinus Quirrell, was also a Ravenclaw. He was known for his intelligence and cunning, as well as his ability to think on his feet.
Quirinus was able to fool everyone for a long time, including Dumbledore. It was only because of Harry Potter’s quick thinking that Quirinus was eventually revealed to be possessed by Voldemort.
Nonetheless, I think Quirrel was a bit of a coward. He was easily manipulated and couldn’t have been very clever at all to think he could outsmart Dumbledore.
Filius Flitwick
The Charms professor and head of Ravenclaw house, Filius Flitwick, is also a notable Ravenclaw. He is known for his intelligence, as well as his knowledge of charms.
Filius was able to teach Harry Potter plenty of complex spells, for example, the Summoning Charm, and he also helped him to understand the nature of magic. Flitwick himself is also known for being able to perform complex charms with great ease, and he is considered to be one of the greatest charm-users of his time.
Garrick Ollivander
The famous wandmaker was also a Ravenclaw. He was known for his knowledge of wandlore, as well as his intuition when it came to choosing the right wand for a wizard (although the wand chooses the wizard, of course).
Ollivander was able to find the perfect wand for Harry Potter, and he also helped him to understand the importance of wandlore. He is considered to be one of the greatest wandmakers of all time, and, true to his Ravenclaw roots, he is always seeking to learn more about wandlore.
I personally find Ollivander a little creepy but otherwise a very kind and clever old man. He is undoubtedly the best wandmaker in the series and very knowledgeable about his passions. This is the sign of a true Ravenclaw.
Xenophilius Lovegood
The father of Luna Lovegood, Xenophilius was also a Ravenclaw, and he shares many traits with his daughter. He is known for his eccentricities, as well as his love of all things strange and unusual.
Writer of the curious newspaper ‘the Quibbler’, Xenophilius is a man who loves to learn and knows a great deal about many different things. Xenophilius is an expert on many things that are considered to be odd, such as the Deathly Hallows, and he is always keen to learn more. He is also a very resourceful wizard and is the perfect example of a true Ravenclaw.
Personally, I find Xenophilius to be a nice enough man however he proved himself to be a bit of a traitor in the final books when he tried to sell Harry out to find his daughter. I mean, I totally understood where he was coming from and why he did what he did, his actions just put me off him a bit, where I found him to be perfectly nice up until that point.
Gilderoy Lockhart
The egotistical author and former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was actually, a Ravenclaw. Surprisingly for Ravenclaw, he is known for his stupidity, as well as his complete lack of modesty, and had simply been taking credit for what other, much braver witches and wizards had achieved.
Lockhart was able to fool everyone for a while, but eventually, his true colors were revealed. Gilderoy Lockhart is the perfect example of a Ravenclaw who does not live up to the usual standards of intelligence and wisdom. He is more of an example of what can happen when a Ravenclaw does not use their intellect for good.
Nonetheless, what he lacked in defensive magic skills, he certainly made up for in memory charm ability, since that was the only way he could keep his stories straight.
I think Gilderoy is a great example of how far people can go when they want something that they can’t have. Since he was lacking in his own abilities, he simply stole those of others. And whilst this is somewhat intelligent, it’s also incredibly cunning and I think this shows an almost Slytherin personality as opposed to simply the intelligence of a Ravenclaw.
Moaning Myrtle
The ghost that haunted the girls’ bathroom on the first floor was also a Ravenclaw. Myrtle Warren was known for her intelligence, as well as her quick wit, but also her sensetivity.
Myrtle died a tragic death at the hand of the Basilisk when the Chamber of Secrets was first opened, but her ghost self was was able to help Harry Potter to find out who had opened it. Myrtle is a perfect example of a Ravenclaw who uses her intelligence for good, even after she has died.
Cho Chang
The Ravenclaw seeker and one of Harry Potter’s first loves, Cho Chang was known for her intelligence, as well as her beauty. Cho embodied the Ravenclaw spirit in many ways, and she was also a very talented Quidditch player.
Cho dated Cedric Diggory in Harry fourth year and briefly dated Harry in his fifth. She was also a valuable member of Dumbledore’s Army despite her mother warning her against it. She is a perfect example of a Ravenclaw who is both intelligent and brave.
However, I personally think that, if anyone had met the book version of Cho, they would certainly have had a different opinion of her to the film Cho. If you know, you know!
Helena Ravenclaw
The House founder’s daughter, Helena Ravenclaw, was also a Ravenclaw. She was known for her intelligence, but also for her tragic death story. After she died, she remained at Hogwarts as the ghost of Ravenclaw and would often be seen wandering the Hogwarts corridors in silence.
Nonetheless, despite her tragic past, Helena was able to help Harry Potter to find the Ravenclaw Diadem in the Deathly Hallows. This, in turn, helped him defeat Voldemort. Helena Ravenclaw is the perfect example of a Ravenclaw who has overcome adversity and gone on to help others.
Sybill Trelawney
Last but not least, Sybill Trelawney, the Divination professor, was also a Ravenclaw. She is known for her ability to see the future, as well as her general eccentricity.
Sybill Trelawney, although not the greatest divination teacher in the world, has made a few life-changing prophesies. She is the one who made the prediction that caused Voldemort to go hunting Harry Potter, she predicted that Harry would have to make a choice between life and death, and she also prophesied the return of Lord Voldemort.
I actually really like Sybill. I mean I think she’s a tiny bit deluded about her own abilities, however, she tries, bless her, and she genuinely does have a seer’s ability, although I’m not even sure if she knows about the prophecies that she’s made.
There are many other famous Ravenclaw witches and wizards, but these are just a few of the most notable ones. Ravenclaw house has produced some of the most intelligent and creative witches and wizards in the world, and they will continue to do so for many years to come.
The Famous Diadem of Ravenclaw
The only known relic formerly belonging to Rowena Ravenclaw was the Ravenclaw Diadem (also known as the Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw). This diadem was a silver tiara adorned with sapphires, which was said to amplify the wearer’s wisdom. Its surface bore the famous words of Ravenclaw: “Wit beyond measure is a man’s greatest treasure.”
The diadem went missing after Helena Ravenclaw’s death, and it was not seen again until it resurfaced during the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998. Although we know that, during this time, Lord Voldemort had tricked the ghost of Ravenclaw Tower into telling him the location of the diadem.
He then traveled to Albania, where it was hidden, and used it to create one of his Horcruxes. Following this, he returned to Hogwarts under the pretense of looking for a job and hid the diadem in the Room of Requirement.
The diadem was destroyed by fire during the Battle of Hogwarts.
The diadem is a perfect example of the intelligence and wit that the Ravenclaw house is known for. But it is also a reminder of the tragic events that can befall those who seek power at any cost.
I also kind of think it’s a little sad. It’s a tiara that supposedly makes you clever, but it’s also caused death, destruction, jealousy, and theft. It’s a little bit like how the Elder want ‘makes you unbeatable’ – until you get cocky and people kill you for it. I just don’t necessarily believe it deserves the hype. Nonetheless, it’s a powerful item and Ravenclaw’s relic.
Where is Ravenclaw’s Common Room?
The Ravenclaw common room is located in Ravenclaw Tower, which is on the west side of Hogwarts Castle and one of the tallest towers at the school. The entrance to the common room is through a door at the top of a spiral staircase that begins on the fifth floor.
There is a door at the top with no doorknob or keyhole, but a bronze knocker in the form of an eagle. In order to enter the common room, they must solve a riddle posed by the eagle. If they answer correctly, the door will open and they can enter.
Once inside, students will find themselves in a circular room with blue walls and a domed ceiling. The Ravenclaw common room is described as being very airy and light, with blue walls and silvery window hangings. There are several comfortable armchairs, and the ceiling is decorated with stars that seem to twinkle in the moonlight.
There are windows all around the room, which offer a stunning view of the Hogwarts grounds and distant mountains. There is also a statue of Rowena Ravenclaw in the center of the room.
The common room is a peaceful and calming place, which is perfect for studying. It is also a great place to relax with friends and enjoy the view.
Some Facts About Ravenclaw
Let’s take a look at some facts about Ravenclaw now that we’ve looked at some of the qualities that make a real Ravenclaw and some of the most famous Ravenclaws throughout history.
- Ravenclaw house was founded by Rowena Ravenclaw, one of the four founders of Hogwarts.
- If the Ravenclaw gets the answer to the riddle posed by the eagle knocker wrong, they have to wait for someone else to get it right before they can enter the common room.
- The colors of Ravenclaw are blue and bronze, which represent wisdom and learning.
- The Ravenclaw animal is an eagle, which represents nobility and strength.
- Ravenclaw’s element is air, which represents creativity and intelligence.
- The Ravenclaw ghost is Helena Ravenclaw, also known as the Grey Lady.
My Thoughts on Ravenclaw
This may be a rather controversial opinion, but I’ve always found Ravenclaw to be the most pompous of all the Hogwarts Houses. While Gryffindor values bravery and Hufflepuff values kindness, Ravenclaws are judged on their academic ability and how brainy they are. Even Slytherin’s traits of ambition seem slightly less – well – vain! Ravenclaw is the only house that sorts you on your abilities rather than your personality.
However, the downside is that, like with the Slytherins, intelligence can also manifest in a bad way in people. Take Helena Ravenclaw, for example. Stealing her own mother’s diadem because she wanted to be cleverer than her and running away? That’s not exactly the most intelligent thing to do. Or Gilderoy Lockheart, stealing people’s memories in order to seem like he’s achieved more than he has. In this sense, cleverness can make you just as powr0hungry as ambition. Which is why Slytherins often get along with Ravenclaws better than any other house.
Nonetheless, I don’t think Ravenclaws are bad and you certainly shouldn’t feel disheartened if you are sorted into the House. Ravenclaw is also known for welcoming people that are slightly…different. Take Luna Lovegood, for example. You wouldn’t necessarily think of her as smart at first glance, but her eccentricity is one of the things that appeal to the values of a Ravenclaw. Because she thinks outside the box and tests boundaries, she fits the house perfectly.
These are some of the Ravenclaw traits that I love. I think being different and being a bit ‘out there’ is a much better value than how well you did on your last exam – in my opinion of course. If you love exams, as Hermione does, then Ravenclaw might be the perfect fit for you and you might completely disagree with everything I just said. This is why I highly doubt that I would be sorted into Ravenclaw.
FAQs
Answer: A Ravenclaw is someone who values intelligence, creativity, and individuality. They are often quick thinkers with a sharp wit. Ravenclaws are also known for their love of learning.
Answer: The most valued traits of a Ravenclaw are intelligence, wisdom, and creativity.
Answer: Although they are not power-hungry like Slytherin, Ravenclaws are often ambitious and eager to learn. They are also quick thinkers who are always looking for new challenges.
Answer: Ravenclaw is most compatible with – well – other Ravenclaws. Ravenclaws are naturally drawn to individuals with comparable intellects. As such, Ravenclaws are better suited to other Ravenclaws – as well as Slytherins on occasion.
Answer: Despite their cleverness, Ravenclaws have a few negative traits. They can sometimes be overly proud and have difficulty admitting when they’re wrong. They can also be seen as overly critical of others. Furthermore, if you are somewhat intelligent, you may easily think your way out of uncomfortable situations; and many individuals may utilize this for deception and lies.
Conclusion…
Overall, I have fairly mixed feelings for Ravenclaw. It’s certainly a house, full of clever and academic individuals. It’s also full of those that are slightly different, and those that like to experiment, test boundaries, and get creative. If you are looking for a place to feel challenged and supported, Ravenclaw is the perfect house for you.
But I also feel like it could be just as easy to stray down the wrong path in Ravenclaw as it would be in Slytherin. Too much knowledge or too much of a thirst for knowledge can be just as dangerous as too much of a thirst for power. So, be sure to watch out for those negative qualities! As, with anything in life, balance is key and, as Hermione says in the first film, – ‘Books and cleverness? There are more important things. Like friendship and loyalty.’
Continue reading:
Ultimate Guide to Hufflepuff: What It Means to Be a Hufflepuff